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Title: Be Still--Let Jesus Calm Your Storms
Author: Cherie Hill
Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises
Genre: Bible Study
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 1-5988641-5-7
Number of Pages: 105
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
ScriptureNow.com
Tate Publishing
The first thing that stuck me as I began reading Cherie Hill's book, Be Still, was the passion this lady has for God's Word. Her love of God and faith in His promises, combined with a heartfelt desire to share these truths with others, is the obvious impetus that led to the writing of this book.
The message shared in Be Still is not a particularly complex one, and it isn't all that new. I must admit that I have heard the same basic teaching in a few sermons over the years. However, that doesn't lessen the value of the simple truth the author is conveying. Even the best of sermons from years gone by tend to go straight out the window when the storms of life are raging around us. In those darkest of hours, as we struggle to stay afloat, we may even find ourselves wondering, albeit fleetingly, if God really cares.
It is for those times in particular that Ms. Hill has written this book. It is when we find ourselves in the midst of these storms that this message will have the greatest potential to be a lifeline that will draw the reader to God's Word for strength, encouragement, assurance and comfort.
Be Still is based on the miracle of Jesus calming the storm. This miracle is the very solid foundation for every chapter, as the author invites readers to "let Jesus calm [their] storms." Although Cherie's style of communication shows obvious care for her readers, the book also issues some personal challenges for consideration, particularly in such chapters as Where are You in the Boat? and Where is Your Faith?
For the reader who is looking for a book with lots of personal anecdotes and illustrations to back up the message, this book may not suit their needs. This was the one area of the book that I felt was somewhat lacking. However, for those who are looking for a Scriptural resource and study guide to steer them through their hard times, this will most definitely fit the bill.
One of the real bonuses to be found in Be Still is the wealth of Scripture that readers can return to again and again for encouragement in the midst of trials. In that way, Be Still is not a book that you read once, put on your bookshelf, and then forget about. It is something that can be used to guide us to answers in God's Word every time a storm hits. This is, in fact, one of the author's hopes, and is why she suggests that readers should highlight the Scriptures as they work through the book, and return to them often for encouragement.
Be Still is a simple, relatively short, easy to read book that doesn't promise quick fixes, or endless sunshine. Instead, it is a lifeline attached to God's Word, designed to help the reader find peace in the midst of each and every storm that comes their way.
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